The Searchers Fun Features

This is the section for all our "FUN" The Searchers information - please enjoy!

Did You Know?

… Natalie Wood played the role of Debbie the girl kidnapped by the Commanche but it was her sister Lana Wood who is seen as the young Debbie at the beginning of the movie. This was Lana Wood's first credited movie appearance.

… John Wayne often gave his children small roles in his films. The Searchers was Patrick Wayne's first real speaking role. He plays a young military man who comes to speak with Ethan and Reverend Clayton (Ward Bond.)

... You can listen to Tex Ritter sing The Searchers theme song (What makes a man to wander / What makes a man to roam? / What makes a man leave bed and board / And turn his back on home? / Ride away (Ride away), ride away (ride away), ride away / Now, a man will search for fortune / Of silver and of gold / The silver he finds in his hair / While a weary heart grows old / Ride away , ride away , ride away / The snow is deep and oh, so white / The winds they howl and moan / Fire cooks a man his buffalo meat / But his lonely heart won't warm / Ride away, ride away, ride away)

... The American Film Institute has named The Searchers as the number one western of all time It is interesting to see that in 1997 when they compiled their list of top 100 movies The Searchers was number 96. In the newest listing (2007) The Searchers shot up a whopping 84 slots to become number 12. That is the biggest move up in ratings made by any movie.

... the final scene of the movie was ad-libbed by John Wayne as homage to good friend and fellow actor Harry Carey who had recently died. As John Wayne stands in the doorway he grabs his right arms and stands there for a minute. This was Carey's signature stance. You can watch it here:

The Searchers On Location

John Wayne and Natalie Wood are two of the many legendary celebrities to leave hand and footprints outside the famous Grauman's (now Mann's) Chinese Theater.

Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In the early 1960's, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce developed the idea of the "Hollywood Walk of Fame." The sidewalks of the most famous streets in the heart of Hollywood were lined with "stars" recognizing celebrities' life-long contributions to the entertainment industry. Receiving a star is still to this day considered a huge honor. Here's where you can find the stars of The Searchers celebs John Wayne, Natalie Wood, Ward Bond and director John Ford: